The whole community will be able to learn about and look after animals

Golden cheque to make community farm a reality

Newcastle is celebrating today after a community-project won £50,000.

Knutton Village Farm won the windfall from the Big Lottery's People's Millions fund after going head-to-head in a public vote on Monday.

The money means that building work on the long-awaited free-access community farm  can start immediately.

"We've been working with the community on plans for the farm for four years," said Cllr John Taylor, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, "and thanks to the support we received from the people of Newcastle and across the county on Monday, we can now get digging!

I'd like to thank everyone who voted, from local organisations and businesses to every member of the public. They've played a very real part in changing thousands people's lives."

The farm, which is set to be built on vacant land next to Newcastle Children's Centre on Blackbank Road in Knutton, is to develop a hands-on experience for volunteers to grow, cook and sell their own food, look after animals and produce the farm's own power.

They will have the option of learning about running agricultural businesses and taking accredited qualifications if they want to move into farming as a career.

The farm would also cater for weekend, after-school and holiday activities for children and families, school visits, training courses and guided tours and will eventually be a tourist attraction, attracting visitors from across the region.

Local county councillor and long-time supporter of the farm, David Leech, is delighted about the impact that this funding will have on the people in his area.

"It's difficult to overestimate the impact that this will have.  Knutton and Newcastle has suffered terribly after the collapse of the coal-mining industry in terms of the community's motivation and focus.  But now we will have a community hub which will reunite them whilst also providing a fun and exciting way for them to learn new skills.  We'll soon have a skilled and enthusiastic workforce ready and eager to support a range of local businesses across North Staffordshire.

This farm ticks all the boxes in terms of increasing community spirit and quality of life, producing local produce, education and a skilled workforce for the future.

And we know that this money will be put the absolute best use. The original idea for the farm came from the people of Knutton themselves and they've been involved in the planning every step of the way.  I have absolutely no doubt that we'll see a regenerated and vibrant Knutton very soon."

For more information about Knutton Village Farm, please ring Clare Butters on 07800 626424.

Page Last Modified: 04/12/2008 07:05:38

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